Do the hairs lost from androgenic alopecia have white bulbs at the end?

Question

I am a 23 y.o. male. My hairline has been slowly receding for a few years but over the last several months I have been losing a large amount of hair (about 400-500 per day). The hair loss is over the entire top of my head especially causing thinning at the hairline and vertex. All of the lost hairs have a white bulb at the end. I know hairs lost during telogen effluvium have this white bulb but I wasn't sure if androgenic alopecia did too. Is this hair loss consistent with male pattern balding?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

The white bulbs at the end of a hair is likely sebum a waxy substance made from your oil glad.  It is not related to genetic hair loss or balding.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

This is a great question. Yes, the early stages of genetic hair loss give hair loss with white bulbs because these are indeed telogen hairs that are shed. Although many people think of the causes of telogen effluvium as low iron, thyroid problem, crash diets or stress... androgenetic alopecia also given a telogen effluvium and loss of hairs with white bulbs. These hairs are often thinner than other hairs but in the very early stages of hair loss they may be fairly large. Be sure to see a physician to confirm the reason for your loss of 500 hairs.  This is rather unusual for genetic hair loss.  Without seeing your scalp up close and knowing more about your hair loss, it is not possible for anyone to provide a diagnosis.

Rana Irfan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

AGA  is usually more-aggressive in early twenties ( 20 to 24 ) ...you should look in to the family history of baldness on your father side or mother side .....if it's in your family then it can be first indication towards andro genetic  Alopecia  ( AGA) . Otherwise you should consult your dermatologist or family physician .... You didn't discussed here if there was any history of surgery of serious illness in past 90/120 days ... Then we can think of anything like Telogen effluvium or dietary deficiency ...

Gregory Pistone, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,It is normal to lose 50-100 telogen hairs (with a bulb) per day, which are replaced.  I would hazard a guess that you have Telogen Effluvium, not male pattern hair loss.  The first stage of genetic hair loss is miniturization of the hairs, not loss. Physical and emotional stresses occurring 3-6 months prior to the hair loss are generally the cause.  Your dermatologist can further evaluiate you and take a scalp biopsy if necessary.

Do the hairs lost from androgenic alopecia have white bulbs at the end?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hair Loss

Answer: Hair Loss

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Do the hairs lost from androgenic alopecia have white bulbs at the end?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hair Loss

Answer: Hair Loss

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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